Its a wonderful Life

As I’m sitting at my computer, waiting for the 160 bulletins to reprint because I messed the first batch up by leaving certain people off the prayer list, and leaving certain people who have recently passed away on it, I find my self contemplating this wonderful life I have.  I find it amazing how blessed one can be, yet at the slightest instance of conflict or adversity we drift into depression and self doubt.  These stupid bulletins are the straw that’s breaking my back at the moment!

I recently was part of making certain decisions to move our church forward, decisions I know were right.  The subsequent kick back has me a little down.  No one loves to be hated, or not liked, or talked about in a negative fashion, especially the pastor!  But in the end, I know wholeheartedly that this is part of the job and process God takes anybody through that is an agent of change.  Knowing and feeling are often two different things.

Being the Christmas season, its wonderful to reflect on how meaningful the birth of Christ is.  God becoming flesh, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity.  He endured the cross, never says he enjoyed it.  He often shows up in the gospels frustrated with those who were following him because they didn’t get what was truly going on.  Despite the conflicts, the emotions, challenge set before him, Christ walked sinless through this life and set an ultimate example of self sacrifice and love for all to follow.

Which brings me back to my pity party over the bulletins.  Walking in God’s will, motivated by His Love, does not mean the absence of conflict or disappointment in life.  There are difficult times, but these do not diminish the blessings of God or destroy the presence of God in our lives.  I really believe they should highlight the blessings and presence of God more!  How much more grateful are you to have certain things than when you lose other things!

Its this tension of reflection that is the cornerstone of strength for the Christian.  We know there is purpose and design, and in the event of difficult times our perspective of God’s will keeps us moving forward.  It doesn’t mean this perspective is void of emotions, that it lacks a realistic view of life, but it does enable the believer to endure with an amount of grace that only comes from God.

I’m grateful for the task God has set before me, even if it means I’m up at church on a Saturday morning reprinting the @#$% bulletins!  I’m grateful because he has blessed me beyond measure.  I have no reason to sit here and dwell on the hardships, when the blessing outweigh, and outshine anything life has thrown my way.  I truly have a wonderful life!  Praise be to God who has graciously provided it!